NPA Creative Hairdressing

National Progression Awards (NPAs) assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas, linked to National Occupational Standards.

The NPA in Creative Hairdressing at SCQF level 6 further develops essential and artistic skills in cutting, colouring and styling, using a range of techniques that reflect emerging trends within the hairdressing industry. Learners will also develop research skills to enable them to design, plan and implement a variety of individual creative and innovative approaches for their hairdressing clientele.

The qualification is available through SQA Centres.

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Why deliver this qualification

NPAs are trusted because they are developed by practitioners from industry and are supported by the relevant sector skills council (SSC). Industry has recognised that the qualification fits the job.

Although the content of the NPA is not specifically designed as an online or open learning programme there is scope for a blended learning approach embracing traditional methods with e-learning and e-assessment.

Who does this qualification suit

The National Progression Award in Creative Hairdressing at SCQF level 6 has a strongly creative focus and is primarily aimed at those with some prior knowledge and experience of hairdressing. The main target groups are:

candidates who have previously gained the NPA in Hairdressing Technical Skills at SCQF level 5 or equivalent

adult returners who have decided to re-enter the education system and/or perhaps undertake training for employment in the hairdressing sector

those in employment in the hairdressing sector (as a basis for building on good practice or as continuous professional development)

Access

Entry to the award is at the discretion of the centre; the following are simply recommendations and should not be seen as a definitive or prescriptive list of entry requirements. The purpose is simply to give guidance on the selection of suitable candidates.

Core Skills entry profile
It is expected that candidates will demonstrate the potential to acquire and/or use the necessary level of Core Skills to undertake the course. The table below gives recommended entry levels of Core Skills, for guidance purposes.

Core Skill

SCQF level

Recommended entry

Potential exit

Communication

5

6

Information and Communication Technology

5

5

Numeracy

5

6

Problem Solving

5

6

Working with Others

5

6

It is important to note that when recruiting candidates it is the responsibility of centres to fully comply with the EU Directive and be aware of the Pre-16 Restrictions set out by HABIA, the sector skills council for the hair and beauty industry.

The NPA therefore cannot be delivered to pre-16 candidates as Units involving cutting and hair colouring are available to post-16 candidates only. Further details are available in the access sections of individual Unit specifications.

Progression

Candidates who successfully complete the NPA may progress to employment within the hairdressing sector in a range of key technical disciplines such as:

Trainee/stylist

Colour technician

Session stylist

Approval

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will have to come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Guide to Approval.

How to assess

There is an opportunity to adopt a blended learning approach that will integrate knowledge-based learning with development of practical skills through application. However, in the case of practical activities, e-assessment is not appropriate. In these cases, other forms of evidence could be adopted such as video recording. Where alternative methods are used, staff in centres must consider how they will ensure the authentication of candidate evidence.

Mannequin heads should be permitted for use early on in practice, but candidates must move on to live models for practice before summative assessment takes place. All assessments must be performed on live models. The use of mannequin heads for assessment purposes is not appropriate.

While it is essential that candidates develop knowledge and understanding in relation to specific terminology and techniques, it should be emphasised that being able to bring various terms and techniques together to produce complete and personalised finished styles is fundamental when cutting, colouring and styling hair, if it is to reflect industry standards.

This also applies to the time taken to perform certain tasks. For example, hair colouring must be performed in a timescale which reflects current commercial standards. Where assessments are timebound, this is reflected in individual Unit specifications.

The use of photographic evidence is intended to motivate candidates to aim for the highest standard, and to encourage them to reflect and evaluate their own work, and in some Units there is a requirement of the instrument of assessment.

Where can you take this course?

Location (UK only):

Qualification content and delivery tools

Overview

This National Progression Award in Creative Hairdressing consists of three mandatory Units at SCQF level 6 and six optional Units at SCQF levels 5 and 6.

For further information on the Units and structure of the qualification please refer to the Group Award Specification.